In a detailed feature, a former Cavia and AQ Interactive staff member revealed a host of details on the game, which was set for announce at E3 2011 before being put on hold.

Set in the Museum of Natural History in New York, Catacombs tells the story of four visitors caught in an event which leaves them trapped in a maze beneath the landmark, surrounded by monsters.

Gameplay seems to have been a party-based shooter affair with strong RPG elements; guns level up and evolve, gaining heads and limbs, and enemies drop magic rings allowing players to cast spells.

One of the more unusual aspects of the game is its lack of fixed level design; whether playing alone or with friends, the goal remains only to reach the exit to the next level through a twisting set of randomly-generated corridors.

According to Siliconera’s source, Square hasn’t shelved the game altogether, but its future is uncertain. More details are expected over the next week.

The Cavia team was dissolved by parent AQ Interactive after its last game, Nier. Fans of the cult favourite RPG – which had tenuous ties to earlier Cavia games – were disappointed to see an end to the team’s notably quirky approach to development.